Loblaw donates $15M to feed Canadians
Loblaw Companies Limited has a hand in a total of $15 million via two recent efforts to help communities in Canada struggling from the impact of the coronavirus.
In one move, the President’s Choice Children’s Charity, established and funded in part by Loblaw, has donated $10 million in grants to programs throughout the country that give children safe access to food. Loblaw’s President’s Choice Children’s Charity, named after its store brand, is the country’s largest funder of in-school nutrition programs. In the wake of COVID-19 and many in-school and after-school nutrition programs being closed, the donation hopes to drive new approaches to feed kids in need. For example, nearly $5 million will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and its 700 community sites.
Other organizations benefiting from the donation include Pathways to Education, individual schools and Community Food Centres Canada.
"For hungry children who rely on school for food, the coming weeks will be hard," said Sarah Davis, the charity's chair and president of Loblaw. "We make sure Canada's most vulnerable children can attend school well-fed and ready to learn. When school is out, hunger remains. We need to keep serving these children, but we need to find new ways."
Additionally, the retailer has announced a $5 million donation in gift cards to food banks and community charities including Community Food Centres Canada and Second Harvest.
The $5 million from Loblaw adds to $15 million worth of gift card purchases other charities have made to be used at its 2,500 Shoppers Drug Mart and grocery store locations, including Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs and more.
"Usually our donations quickly become a hot meal at a community food center or a care package at a neighborhood drop-in. With physical distancing some of those options have disappeared," said Davis. "With a gift card in hand, someone facing hardship can visit a store to buy the items that matter most right then and there."